Pastor Appreciation Day involves at least three components.
First of all, the words of Paul recorded in 1 Timothy 1:12 is the foundation for Pastor Appreciation Day—And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry. A genuine pastor is only where He is because Christ put him in the ministry. Therefore, “Thank You, Lord, for calling me, enabling me, and placing me in this role as a spokesman for You. All the glory and honor and goes to You! You alone are worthy of the praise and appreciation!!”
Second, appreciation goes to every congregation that faithfully supports, encourages, listens, prays for, loves, forgives, puts up with, laughs with, is longsuffering with, and blesses their Bible-preaching pastor. As I think of this day, appreciation must come from us as pastors to our church family for following us, the under-shepherd leading under the Chief Shepherd of the Church (1 Peter 5:4).
Thirdly, as a pastor, what a blessing to serve the Lord and the precious folk of Boones Creek Bible Church. As I read their cards and words of appreciation, my heart was filled with joy and gratitude. I wept as I prayed and thanked God for them. What a joy to serve alongside them for twenty-three years, to grow with them in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, to be with them with them when they hurt and when they rejoice, to pray with them and for them, to laugh and cry with them, to fellowship with them, to counsel them, to cheer them on, to worship with them, and to share life with them! I am also grateful for all they have taught me, even those times when they disagreed with me.
So, Pastor Appreciation Day begins with Christ, moves through His people, to encourage the hearts of His pastors.
*Pastor friend, if you are an under-shepherd in a tough situation, and perhaps you were not acknowledged this month, look to the Chief Shepherd. Remind yourself of who you are in Christ. Continue to press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). Keep running for the Bema. Live everyday in John 15:5 and Hebrews 12:1-3!!
For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, by having served and by still serving the saints (Hebrews 6:10).
fromapastorsheart.com 